At the Pokémon Center, Hop eagerly proposes a battle, exclaiming, "There you are! I've been waiting! Let's have a battle, you and me. We'll get in a bit of training!"

Surprised by his sudden suggestion, I inquire, "Now?"

"Seriously? This is the moment when you play along and act pumped up for battle! If you've gotta ask why we should bother training, you'll never make it through the Gym Challenge!" Hop retorts, urging me to embrace the opportunity for practice and improvement.

In the heat of the battle, Hop commands, "Wooloo, you're up first!" To which I respond, "Blipbug, let's go!"

As the two Pokémon emerge onto the battlefield, Hop urges, "Keep up, mate! This is our chance to see if we are up to the Gym Challenge! Use Tackle!"

Wooloo charges forward, landing a solid Tackle on Blipbug. In response, Blipbug retaliates with Struggle Bug, dealing damage to Wooloo and diminishing its Special Attack. As the battle progresses, Wooloo attempts Rollout, but Blipbug narrowly evades the attack. Then, much to our surprise, Blipbug starts to glow, signaling an evolution. "That early?" I gasp in astonishment.

Before us stands a yellow bug with blue spots. Gloria identifies it, saying, "That's a Dottler. After evolving, it gains the Psychic Type."

Dottler: The Radome Pokemon: Bug and Psychic type. Evolved from Blipbug at LV:10. It barely moves, but it's still alive. Hiding in its shell without food or water seems to have awakened its psychic powers.

I seize the moment, directing Dottler, "Psychic Type—let's try Confusion!"

Dottler executes the move, causing Wooloo to sustain considerable damage. Hop responds swiftly, shouting, "Headbutt!" But I anticipate the attack and have Dottler use Reflect, mitigating the damage. Then, Dottler finishes off Wooloo with another powerful Confusion.

Next up is Rookidee, and I opt to switch Dottler for Pikachu. Pikachu launches a Thunderbolt, but Rookidee skillfully evades using Agility. Rookidee retaliates with Peck, causing Pikachu to protectively cover its head. Despite the hit, Pikachu stands firm and counters with Iron Tail, defeating Rookidee.

"Backed into a corner? You got it all wrong, mate! This'll just make my victory all the better!" Hop declares confidently.

As the final Pokémon, Grookey emerges, I choose Scorbunny. Scorbunny uses Ember and follows it up with Double Kick, dealing consecutive blows until Grookey is eventually defeated.

"Was that really good training? Looks like I'd better keep my guard up!" Hop remarks with a hint of disappointment as he recalls his Pokémon. "Just what I'd expect from my rival! You know what? I'll even give you one of my League Cards! That's how good I think you did in that battle."

Hop generously hands over the League Cards, and Victor follows suit. As we examine the plain photo, Flora politely expresses, "Thank you?"

"Our Gym Challenge begins right now—from here in Motostoke! Although the first Gym Leader we'll have to challenge is in a town quite far off from here... Still, you'd better believe I'm going to keep on winning my way to that Championship Match!"

With an enthusiastic rush, Hop dashes off, his voice echoing, "Hello, Galar! Meet your next Champion! From the sleepy town of Postwick—it's me, Hop!"

As the conversation shifts, I propose, "Since you were kind enough to share your League Cards, how about we do the same?"

Alice and I hand our League Cards to Victor, who graciously accepts. Inspired to train further, Victor decides to return to the Wild Area for additional practice. Meanwhile, Gloria receives a call notifying her that her Grass-type Pokémon have returned from their Poke Jobs.

"So you're utilizing the Poke Jobs?" Elena inquires, intrigued by Gloria's actions. Gloria nods, affirming, "Absolutely. There are still more tasks available." She promptly sends out more Pokémon to complete additional jobs.

As we journey through Route 3, a mesmerizing sight catches Alice's eye: some flowers fluttering in the air. Fascinated, she inquires, "Wow, what are those Pokémon? I've never seen them before..."

"They're Gossifleurs," Flora responds, identifying them as Grass Types.

One of the Gossifleurs gracefully lands on Alice's head, nestling into her hair with a contented sigh. Amused by the Pokémon's affection, Alice giggles and asks, "Do you like it here, Gossifleur?"

The Pokémon nods in agreement, evoking smiles from everyone present. Observing the budding bond, I remark, "It seems like the Pokémon has taken a liking to you."

"Yeah, and I really like this Pokémon too," Alice expresses warmly. "How about joining our team? We can travel together." The Gossifleur nods in affirmation, and Alice captures the Pokémon in a Poké Ball.

Gossifleur: The Flowering Pokemon: Grass Type. It anchors itself in the ground with its single leg, then basks in the sun. After absorbing enough sunlight, its petals spread as it blooms brilliantly.

As we continue our journey, a peculiar bug catches our attention. Helen identifies it, exclaiming, "It's a Sizzlipede! My Dad loves using one. It's a Fire Type."

I decide to capture the Sizzlipede using Chewtle, aiming to add it to our team. Meanwhile, Alice recalls Helen's earlier presence and asks, "By the way, considering you've been with us for a while now, did you get a chance to meet your father back at the stadium?"

"Of course, I did. He approves of me traveling with you," Helen confirms with a nod.

After a bit of effort, I successfully capture the Sizzlipede, adding it to our growing roster of Pokémon.

Sizzlipede: The Radiator Pokemon: Bug and Fire Type. It wraps prey up with its heated body, cooking them in its coils. Once they're well-done, it will voraciously nibble them down to the last morsel.

We encounter Sonia on our journey once again. She compliments us, saying, "Hey guys. I saw the opening ceremony. You looked real ace out there. Ash, Alice. Oh, but where's Hop and Victor?"

"Victor's back in the Wild Area training, and Hop rushed ahead," Gloria informs her. "He's determined to speed through this challenge."

"He can't sit still at all, can he? Guess he really wants to catch up to his brother," Sonia chuckles.

Curious about Sonia's presence, Elena asks, "But what brings you here?"

Sonia points towards a building in the distance and explains, "Let me tell you about something a bit interesting. You see that building over there? It's a company owned by Chairman Rose. Just past Route 3, there's a mine where they dig up ore. That building over there processes it into energy."

"So the chairman's involved in providing energy for the Galar Region as well?" Alice observes.

"Can't say I really get him, but the chairman seems like a pretty brilliant guy, right?" Sonia remarks. "Here, a little something for having a chin-wag with me! It's an Escape Rope."

After receiving the Escape Rope, Gloria inquires, "So are you just showing us this place?"

"You have to pass through the Galar Mine in order to get to Turffield. But I am sure that you can pass it," Sonia assures us.

"Thanks for the advice. See you later," I express as we bid Sonia farewell.

"That's true, Dad's accomplishments are quite remarkable. But it's not just his efforts. Your family's contributions have been invaluable to our success, Ash," Elena acknowledges gratefully.

"I'm glad you find it exciting to learn about," I reply, smiling in acknowledgment of the shared achievements and collaborations within our families.

"This is the Galar Mine..." Gloria's voice resonates as we enter, taking in the sights around us. Within the mine, we spot workers laboring alongside a peculiar Pokémon we've never encountered before. They resemble rolling coals with a small wheel and an eye fixed upon them.

"What Pokémon are those?" Alice queries, her curiosity piqued by the unique creatures.

Helen offers an explanation, "Those are Rolycoly. They're responsible for providing energy to Galar. Initially, they're pure Rock Type, but they evolve into Fire Types as well. That's why I have one in my team."

Suddenly, a noise disrupts our conversation, and an ominous sound approaches. Startled, I realize we're standing on the tracks. "Hey, do you hear that? Something's coming!"

Before anyone can respond, a speeding cart loaded with coal barrels toward us, knocking me to the ground upon impact. "Ash!" The girls cry out in alarm, rushing to check on me. "I'm fine," I reassure them, recovering from the shock.

To our astonishment, the cart reveals a face and emits a mischievous laugh. "Wait, this is a Pokémon?" Alice questions in surprise.

"It's a Carkol," Helen explains. "And it looks like it's a wild one."

As the Carkol continues to chuckle at my predicament, I choose to remain patient and address it, "If you find this amusing, then you might be mistaken."

With determination, I release Chewtle to teach the Pokémon a lesson. However, the Carkol retaliates swiftly, using Flame Charge repeatedly, making it challenging for Chewtle to evade. Despite the fiery attacks, Chewtle perseveres, utilizing a combination of Bite and Water Gun to weaken the Carkol and eventually capture it.

Rolycoly: The Coal Pokemon: Rock Type. Most of its body has the same composition as coal. Fittingly, this Pokémon was first discovered in coal mines about 400 years ago.

Carkoal: The Coal Pokemon: Rock and Fire Type. Evolved from Rolycoly at LV:18. It forms coal inside its body. Coal dropped by this Pokémon once helped fuel the lives of people in the Galar region.

As we near the exit, our path is abruptly blocked by a boy sporting white hair and a purple coat. He brazenly warns us, "Coming this way? I'd advise against it. Any trainer with a Wishing Star is in for a beating from me and my Pokémon!"

Recognizing him from the opening ceremony, we realize he's one of the gym challengers. "Who are you, and what's the deal with this aggression?" Gloria challenges, disliking the confrontational demeanor of the boy standing before us.

"You. You're the Gym Challenger endorsed by the Champion from other regions, aren't you?" The boy, Bede, scoffs. "What a joke. You are aware that the chairman is more important than the Champions, right? Even if they were from different regions. I was chosen by the chairman himself, so that makes me more amazing than you!"

Elena sighs in recognition, "I recognize him. He's Bede, and it's true that my Dad endorsed him."

"I don't know about other Champions, but ours is our Mom, and she works closely with Chairman Rose for the company. I won't tolerate any disrespectful remarks," I assert firmly.

"I suppose I should prove beyond doubt just how pathetic you are and how strong I am," Bede retorts, his tone dripping with arrogance.

He sends out a Solosis. "Go, Scorbunny!" I command, sending out my Pokémon. With dedication, Scorbunny launches a powerful Flame Charge, causing the Solosis to weaken and eventually faint.

"I'm just giving your Pokémon a little chance to shine. That's all," Bede remarks dismissively. He then sends out Gothita, and I counter with Zigzagoon. Zigzagoon swiftly bites down on Gothita, causing it distress. Despite Gothita's attempt to use a tickling move, Zigzagoon employs Sand Attack, blinding the opponent. Ultimately, Zigzagoon's Lick attack prevails, defeating Gothita.

Bede sighs, "Oh dear, what have I been doing? Well, whatever. Let's just get this over with."

He sends out his final Pokémon, a Hatenna. Elena identifies it as another Psychic Type. I choose Nickit to enter the battle, but the Pokémon seems more intrigued by the jewels in the mine than the battle at hand. Hatenna manages to capture Nickit's attention with its Disarming Voice before Nickit finally refocuses and defeats Hatenna using Thief.

"I see...Well, that's fine. I wasn't really trying all that hard anyway," Bede says nonchalantly as he recalls Hatenna. "Well, that was unexpected. I suppose you're more able than I thought."

"Well, thanks, I guess?" I respond skeptically.

"Naturally, I'll remember your battle style and strategies now. I'm sure to easily defeat you if and when we face each other in an official match. Now that we've established that, I won't waste any more time on you. I've already gathered every Wishing Star in this area." he concludes, and then promptly leaves.

"Geez...what a rude guy," Alice comments.

"Yeah, what's with that attitude?" adds Flora.

I remain silent for a moment before stating, "So Bede, huh... I'll make sure to look out for him. Right now, we have to find the exit."

Just then, Nickit starts pilfering the coals within the mine. I sigh, realizing the situation, and chase after the fox Pokémon, retrieving the coals and returning them to the workers. The girls, noticing my chase, burst into giggles, causing my face to redden.

"It's not funny, you know," I pout as we finally leave the area.

Here is a new chapter, and we wrap up Galar Mine and Route 3 in this chapter and I hope you like it.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon:

Venusaur, Charizard x2, Blastoise, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Meowth, Machamp, Gengar, Kingler, Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Mantine, Sceptile, Zigzagoon (Galarian), Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Garbodor, Zoroark, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Decidueye, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Melmetal, Scorbunny, Skwovet, Rookidee, Dottler, Nickit, Gossifleur, Wooloo, Chewtle, Yamper, Carkol, Arrokuda, Sizzlipede, Kleavor